1929
Robert
2016
Robert McGill
September 4, 1929 — March 8, 2016
Robert Burke McGill of North Danville passed away on Tuesday evening, March 8, 2016. Robert was born in Burke, VT on September 4, 1929 to Robert James McGill and Tennie Gaskill McGill.
Robert attended elementary school in Barnet and North Danville Village School and graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School. After graduation, Robert was drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict and shipped to Ft. Devens, MA. for basic training. Due to his high IQ score and typing skills, he was sent to Vint Hill Farms Station - USASA - Army Security Agency- in Warrenton, VA. to learn cryptology. From Virginia, he was transferred to California and then traveled by ship to Camp Oji, Tokyo, Japan to serve with ASAPAC - Army Security Agency Pacific.
Robert loved his time spent in the military and would have stayed had his fiancAC.e, Irma, not been waiting for him at home. Bob and Irma (Ryder), who pre-deceased him in 2011, were married on July 31, 1954 and spent the majority of their lives in a home their family built in North Danville.
Bob was a "transmission man," working as a mechanic at several automotive garages in St. Johnsbury and then for himself in a garage he, his father-in-law and brother-in-law built. Irma always said he was never happier than when under the hood of a car. He had a passion for cars and was involved with local racing at the Waterford racetrack, Groveton Speedway, and Thunder Road. He was chief mechanic for his great nephew's racecar and the team won many races including a season championship. Bob loved to read; he stayed well informed, reading three daily newspapers most of his life, along with any novels with a military, mystery or western theme. Bob also loved attending county fairs since childhood - enjoying the food, the smells and the people. He couldn't resist homemade doughnuts, baking powder biscuits, shell beans and hot dogs. Bob and Irma enjoyed camping in their motor home, traveling to Florida and Maine - visiting old acquaintances and making new friends along the way.
Robert is survived by three children: Melinda McGill Warren (Robert), Robert James (Kate), and Douglas (Pat). He is also survived by seven treasured grandchildren (by age) Rebecca McGill, Tyler McGill, Haley McGill Parizo (Dustin), William Warren, Kelley McGill, Sarah Warren and Megan McGill and one great grandson, Bryson James Parizo. In addition, he leaves behind a sister-in-law, Joyce Ryder, brother-in-laws, Dale Ryder and Charles Myrick, and many nieces and nephews. Robert was pre-deceased by his parents, six sisters and one brother, and several nieces and nephews.
According to Robert's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Robert lost many members of his family to ALS, therefore donations may be sent in Robert's name to: The Curtis R. Vance Foundation, Inc., 1 Woods Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070.
Sayles Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared privately at www.saylesfh.com.
Robert attended elementary school in Barnet and North Danville Village School and graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School. After graduation, Robert was drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict and shipped to Ft. Devens, MA. for basic training. Due to his high IQ score and typing skills, he was sent to Vint Hill Farms Station - USASA - Army Security Agency- in Warrenton, VA. to learn cryptology. From Virginia, he was transferred to California and then traveled by ship to Camp Oji, Tokyo, Japan to serve with ASAPAC - Army Security Agency Pacific.
Robert loved his time spent in the military and would have stayed had his fiancAC.e, Irma, not been waiting for him at home. Bob and Irma (Ryder), who pre-deceased him in 2011, were married on July 31, 1954 and spent the majority of their lives in a home their family built in North Danville.
Bob was a "transmission man," working as a mechanic at several automotive garages in St. Johnsbury and then for himself in a garage he, his father-in-law and brother-in-law built. Irma always said he was never happier than when under the hood of a car. He had a passion for cars and was involved with local racing at the Waterford racetrack, Groveton Speedway, and Thunder Road. He was chief mechanic for his great nephew's racecar and the team won many races including a season championship. Bob loved to read; he stayed well informed, reading three daily newspapers most of his life, along with any novels with a military, mystery or western theme. Bob also loved attending county fairs since childhood - enjoying the food, the smells and the people. He couldn't resist homemade doughnuts, baking powder biscuits, shell beans and hot dogs. Bob and Irma enjoyed camping in their motor home, traveling to Florida and Maine - visiting old acquaintances and making new friends along the way.
Robert is survived by three children: Melinda McGill Warren (Robert), Robert James (Kate), and Douglas (Pat). He is also survived by seven treasured grandchildren (by age) Rebecca McGill, Tyler McGill, Haley McGill Parizo (Dustin), William Warren, Kelley McGill, Sarah Warren and Megan McGill and one great grandson, Bryson James Parizo. In addition, he leaves behind a sister-in-law, Joyce Ryder, brother-in-laws, Dale Ryder and Charles Myrick, and many nieces and nephews. Robert was pre-deceased by his parents, six sisters and one brother, and several nieces and nephews.
According to Robert's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Robert lost many members of his family to ALS, therefore donations may be sent in Robert's name to: The Curtis R. Vance Foundation, Inc., 1 Woods Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070.
Sayles Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared privately at www.saylesfh.com.
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